THIEVES STEAL 2,000 BOTTLES OF BUS WHISKY IN €200K HEIST

The whisky world has been rocked by the news of a significant burglary at the Bus Whisky distillery in Loosbroek, Netherlands. On Thursday 10th October in the morning, it was discovered that approximately 2,000 bottles of premium whisky, valued at between €180,000 and €200,000, had been stolen. The incident has left owner Dennis Hurkmans both shocked and puzzled as to why his business was targeted.

A Targeted Heist

The burglars appeared to have a very specific focus: Bus Whisky. Hurkmans pointed out that a pallet of expensive, organic wine was left untouched, despite being outside and in the open. This suggests that the thieves were highly selective, targeting only the exclusive whisky that the distillery produces. Founded in 2016, Bus Whisky has earned a reputation for its premium single malts, with bottles ranging from €59 for a three-year Bourbon to €120 for limited editions.

Impact on the Distillery

Despite the significant loss, Hurkmans has reassured customers and whisky lovers that Bus Whisky’s operations will continue without disruption. Producing about 15,000 bottles annually, the distillery is a growing business, and while this theft represents a setback, the long-term outlook remains positive. However, complications could arise with insurance, as the stolen whisky had only just been stored in a new facility, creating uncertainty about coverage.

The Search for Justice

In an unusual move to retrieve the stolen whisky and catch the thieves, Hurkmans is offering a full barrel of whisky as a reward for any information leading to the thieves’ capture. He remains hopeful that spreading the word about the theft will help identify any suspicious activity in the community.

Hurkmans also pointed out that selling such a large quantity of exclusive whisky will be difficult. The nature of the product makes it challenging to offload without raising suspicions, and it’s likely that industry insiders will quickly notice if the stolen bottles start circulating. 

A Blow to Small Producers

This theft highlights the vulnerability of small, high-end distilleries, where production is limited and each bottle represents a significant investment in both time and resources. The loss of these 2,000 bottles is more than just a financial hit; it also represents the loss of months of work and dedication that went into producing the whisky. The hope now is that the thieves will be caught, and the stolen goods will be recovered before any further damage is done to the brand.